Difficult brakes

[Johnny C]

Hi

The current car isn't the first 993 I've had. The old one braked fine, the brakes saved me on more than a few occasions when something like an Audi RS did an emergency brake on the motorway.

This one however, the brakes are a pain. You have to really stamp on them and dig deep to get anything like the braking I used to have on the old 993. I thought it was probably cheapo pads/disks on from when I bought it (I didn't use it much for the first few years), and it improved a lot when I fitted new pads/disk. However they're getting a bit worn now (15K miles on them) and the braking is getting to the point where I couldn't do a proper emergency stop if I needed to.

They do work but you really have to exert a ton of pressure. I thought it might be the pedals (it's got aluminium ones which I keep meaning to get replaced, they're pants) but I recently wondered if it could be the servo or cylinders. I don't know that much about them, I'm not a tinkerer.

Has anyone got any light to shed on what the problem might be?

Cheers

 

[IndischRot]

You don't mention if you have a 2WD or AWD 993. The brake boost methods are quite different - the 2WD models use a fairly conventional vacuum operated booster but the AWD models use a hydraulic booster.

 

[pse_SC]

You should get them properly checked out if you’re not confident they are good enough [8|] (a bit worn at 15k?... you’re having a laugh)
In all probability, they are rusted on the inside of the discs (lack of use?) - this will drastically reduce your stopping ability []

 

[Mike M]

Have you had the break fluid replaced? May of deteriated, require changing every 3yrs if IRC. However as above, get them checked by a mechanic before any potential for failure.

 

[RHT45]

Sounds very similar to the way the brakes were on my 968 CS when I got it. You had to press very hard and it felt like standing on a plank, no feel for what was happening. The problem was the dreaded plate lift on all 4 callipers , so I sourced a set of rears (brand new on eBay, and going cheap) and a pair of very serviceable fronts from EMC, who were upgrading a car as part of a race prep project. They fitted them along with Sebro discs and new Pagids, and after bedding them in on the way to Oulton Park, they were transformed. You could actually brake very hard but progressively, as there was all the feel through the pedal you ought to get. Could be worth a careful look at the callipers..........

FWIW my cab had rubbish brakes when I got it a year ago. It had hardly moved in 3 years and the discs were pretty corroded, too far gone to clean off with some spirited driving, so the dealer replaced them FOC - problem solved and they are excellent.

On the subject of cheap discs, the Sebro discs were recommended by EMC on the basis that they did the same job as the OEM ones, but didn't last as long, which was OK because they were a lot cheaper. Given their record with preparing race cars, I took their advice and never had cause to regret it.

 

[kasspa]

I'll agree with Paul re inside of discs corroded.....
I was never comfortable with how my brakes performed when I purchased my 4S despite it having had discs skimmed prior to purchase, it always felt that I was having to stand on the pedal but Porsche brakes are not 'over' servo'd like your every day car.....

It was only after replacing discs & pads last year that I have more confidence in them...... Sebro discs/Textar pads

 

[Johnny C]

It's a 2WD. It's a daily driver - 100miles of M58/M6/M55 a day so it's not lack of use and brake fluid has been replaced.

I'll get it looked at.

 

[vitesse]

Try John Holland at Unit 11 Porsche in Warrington a bit further into the Industrial Estate than Neinmeister-very obliging & sensible pricing.
Certainly sounds like plate lift /bad discs to me,too.